LEE SPECTOR
**** ******* **** ***** ** ***** 503-***-****
****@*******.*** linkedin.com/in/leespector
Restaurant Industry Executive Hospitality Consultant Multi-Unit Operations Manager
Driving Operational Excellence to Catapult Growth & Profitability Within the Restaurant & Hospitality Sectors
A strategic, customer-centric multi-unit operations leader with year-over-year success in developing teams, implementing cost control systems and devising sales & marketing strategies that accelerate growth and profitability on behalf of regional organizations within the restaurant & hospitality sectors.
A “big picture” strategist with authoritative knowledge of day-to-day business operations. Bottom-line focused, enterprise-minded and always willing to dive into the details to ensure a world-class customer experience.
An inclusive, high-integrity team and people developer who promotes a culture of learning, encourages diversity of thought and maintains a fierce commitment to bringing out the best in each player.
A consultative and curious problem solver who will jump into any ambiguous, unknown or “it’s never been done” initiative, leveraging a diverse background to develop creative solutions, processes or systems that promote consistency and accelerate performance.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Multi-unit Operations
Cost Control Systems
P&L Management
Process & Policy Development
Technology Implementation
Inventory Control
Recruiting / Training Teams
Team / Employee Development
Scheduling & Labor Control
Quality Control
Complex Project Management
Franchise Openings / Remodels
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Attman’s Delicatessen Potomac MD 2023
Catering Manager
Advised, received, prepared and delivered customers’ orders. Assisted in various restaurant duties.
Grassa Lake Oswego, OR 2022 – 2023
Floor Manager
Direct and Manage all FOH operations, systems and personnel. Partner with Kitchen Manager to ensure quality and standards. Track all beverage orders, usage and sales. Develop and Manage FOH employee schedule
Pastini Pastaria, Portland, OR 2015 – 2022
General Manager
Direct all operations and logistics for Pastini’s Cedar Hills location, a restaurant with $2.6M annual sales. Accountable for a team of 38 managers and staff members, with complete financial accountability. Develop and implement cost control systems, recruit and train management staff and work to consistently drive positive corporate change in the areas of P&L, products, menu development and hiring practices. Serve as a key partner to the Divisional Manager and Executive Team.
Developed and proposed new happy hour concept and menu that was implemented across all Pastini locations.
Recommended strategic changes to P&L design based on changing operational model.
Voted Pastini Leader / Manager of Year by peers and corporate staff (2017), in recognition of outstanding leadership and contributions to Cedar Hills and Pastini Co., including work in streamlining operations through new systems and procedures and positively impacting P&L.
Recruited, trained and developed 20+ managers, striving with each to instill a sense of ownership, pride and a strong focus on customer experience.
In Crust We Trust, Inc. dba Pizzicato Beaverton, Beaverton, OR 2009 – 2015
Franchise Owner / General Manager
Purchased a Pizzicato franchise after 15 years of successful operational leadership on behalf of the restaurant chain. As an owner, was accountable for all aspects of operating the business – inclusive of P&L management, budgeting & forecasting, marketing & promotions, inventory management, purchasing, staff recruitment & training, customer service and scheduling. Developed all policies and procedures and created an employee manual to ensure delivery of consistent quality and service.
Developed sales and marketing programs to boost revenue and brand recognition, including innovative wholesale programs with schools, catering accounts and fundraising partnerships with organizations throughout the community.
Pizzicato Pizza, Portland, OR 1995 – 2009
Chief Operational Officer 2008 – 2009
Named COO of the Pizzicato organization and became a minority shareholder in the business. Managed enterprise-wide operations and performance – inclusive of logistics, inventory control, purchasing and policy development / implementation for a 300-employee chain. Managed all department managers: human resources, accounting, catering and operations, and reported directly to the President and Board of Directors.
Developed and implemented a new menu / F&B program, partnering with the company’s product specialist and chef, outside vendors and manufacturers to research and test products and ingredients in creating a profitable menu / sales mix.
Spearheaded and developed the company’s community outreach efforts, including partnerships with Cycle Oregon, numerous local brewers’ festivals, and dozens of school and nonprofit fundraising events.
VP of Operations 2003 – 2008
Regional Operations Manager 1998 – 2003
Joined Pizzicato GM in 1995 then earned progressive promotions into a VP of Operations role, with accountability for operations and logistics across 15 Pizzicato locations. Managed and motivated three Regional Operations Managers, with 150-225 indirect reports. Developed and implemented all operational standards and built and cultivated strong relationships with vendors. Also, supported corporate HR with staffing and recruitment and managed R&D to contribute to the creation and implementation of new menu items.
Played a pivotal role in Pizzicato’s expansion from four to 18 locations, co-authoring the Pizzicato Franchising program and advising throughout the development and ongoing management of the program.
Served as the internal point person in the build out and launch of eight restaurants. Acted as the primary liaison for architects, contractors, city / county authorities, equipment suppliers and the landlord.
Cultivated a culture of unity and teamwork among the chain’s restaurants through clear, proactive communications and a focus on achieving common goals.
The Heathman Group, Portland, OR 1992 – 1994
Management Consultant / Director of Purchasing
Served as Purchasing Director for this premier hotel, with accountability for controlling food, beverage, wine and alcohol inventories. Partnered with leaders across the organization to control costs and maximize resources. Later served as a consultant, conducting in-depth analyses of purchasing functions and cost controls for various Heathman Group businesses.
CONSULTING EXPERIENCE
Spector Consulting, Portland, OR 2015 – Present
Owner / Consultant
Provide full-service restaurant and hospitality consulting geared toward small-to-mid-sized operations. Strategically guide clients at any stage of ownership – from a “dirt up” build and open to fine-tuning, stabilizing or growing an existing business.
Key Clients: The Heathman Group, Block & Board, Private Individuals
EARLY CAREER EXPERIENCE
Director of Purchasing, Hyatt, Sheraton and Ramada Hotels (1985 – 1992)
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts, Food Service Management University of Maryland, College Park, MD
CERTIFICATIONS
ServSafe Manager
Montgomery County Certified Food Service Manager